DOGS
The Borough Inspector's Office is responsible for dealing with issues relating to dog control, including dog licensing, stray dogs, complaints about barking dogs and dog fouling.
The Office also promotes responsible dog ownership through education classes and in partnership with other bodies, such as The Dogs Trust.
New Dog Legislation
The rules for owning and keeping dogs are changing in Northern Ireland, as a result of new legislation (Dogs (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011). So how will the changes affect dog owners?
Dog Licences
Every dog must have a licence and this has not changed, but the cost of a dog licence is increasing in some cases from October 2011. The fees for different types of licence are given in the table below.
| Licence Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Any 'assistance dog' will be exempt | £0 |
| Over 65s First Dog | £0 |
| Over 65s Subsequent Dogs | £5 |
| Concessionary rate for owners on Means Tested Benefits | £5 |
| Any dog which is neutered | £5 |
| Normal licence | £12.50 |
| Block licence (qualifying conditions apply) | £32.00 |
Remember: even if you do not have to pay a fee, the law says you must still have a licence for your dog.
Fixed Penalty Notices and Court Fines
The Council can already issue Fixed Penalty Notices (a type of fine) if a dog strays, fouls, does not have a valid licence or does not have its licence tag and identification tag on display.
From October 2011, the cost of a Fixed Penalty Notice set to increase to between £50 and £80.
Also from October 2011, the maximum fine that a court can give if you are prosecuted for a dog-related offence will be £1,000.
Microchipping
'Microchipping' involves having an identification tag inserted painlessly into your dog, making the job of returning pets to their owners much easier should they stray or get lost.
From March 2012 onwards, when you apply to renew your dog licence, you must also show that your dog has been microchipped.
Get Your Dog Microchipped For Free!
To help dog owners ensure their dogs are microchipped, Ards Borough Council and the Dogs Trust are providing free microchipping in partnership with local vets.
Simply contact one of the vets below and make an appointment to have your dog microchipped for free:
Balloo Vets, Killinchy Tel: 028 9754 2111
Claire Ferris Veterinary Clinic, Millisle Tel: 028 9186 2777
Peninsula Veterinary Clinic, Donaghadee Tel: 028 9188 2004
Peninsula Veterinary Clinic, Kircubbin Tel: 028 4273 8346
Comber Veterinary Clinic, Comber Tel: 028 9187 0899
The Council and the Dogs Trust will also be holding a series of 8 roadshows in the coming months where you can also bring your dog along and have it microchipped for free.
- 30 August Londonderry Park, Newtownards 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 31 August Parkway, Comber 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 1 September Exploris Car Park, Portaferry 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 2 September The Commons, Donaghadee 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 7 November Londonderry Park, Newtownards 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 8 November Parkway, Comber 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 9 November Exploris Car Park, Portaferry 10.00am - 3.30pm
- 10 November The Commons, Donaghadee 10.00am - 3.30pm
These dates and times are provisional. Please confirm with us prior to the event.
Other Changes
Other changes to the law mean the Council now also has more powers to take action against irresponsible dog owners. Dog on dog attacks and dog on domestic animal attacks can also be investigated - and prosecuted - along with dog attacks on people.
If you would like any further information about the changes to dog legislation or about any dog control issue, please contact the Borough Inspector's Office, Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4005, E: ards@ards-council.gov.uk
Related pages:
Apply for a dog licence on-line
Barking Dogs
Borough Inspector's Office
Dog Attacks
Dog Fouling
Dog Licensing
Stray Dogs